Sheridan to Dubois: Wyoming's Scenic Wind River Corridor

The drive from Sheridan to Dubois spans 210 miles along US-26 and WY-789, crossing the Continental Divide twice and threading the dramatic Wind River Canyon. This corridor follows the historic Bridger Trail, used by fur traders in the 1820s, and today offers access to Boysen State Park, hot springs, and the Wind River Indian Reservation.

Driving time is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes without stops, but factoring in canyon overlooks, petroglyph sites, and a side trip to Shoshoni adds at least an hour. The route is particularly noteworthy for its abrupt transition from high plains to alpine river gorge within 50 miles.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

Begin on the high plains east of the Bighorns, then descend into the Wind River Basin. The major highlight is Wind River Canyon (mile 135-150): a 7-mile gorge with cliffs of Archean granite, exposed by the river. Pull off at the scenic overlooks (unpaved) to see ancient petroglyphs—some over 1,000 years old—chiseled into the rock by Shoshone and Crow ancestors.

South of the canyon, Boysen State Park (mile 155) offers a reservoir with boating, fishing for walleye and trout, and camping. A $6 day-use fee applies. The shoreline has sagebrush steppe habitat, home to pronghorn antelope.

• Petroglyph sites: Free, visible from roadside pullouts. Best light in early morning.
• Boysen State Park: Boat ramps, hiking trails (2-mile Raven Trail).
• Wind River Indian Reservation: Enter at mile 128; be respectful of private land.

Local Commerce & Culture

Shoshoni (population 650) is the only real town on the route. Visit the Shoshoni Museum (open 10am-4pm, donation) for artifacts from the Oregon Trail. The Riverton Meat Processing sells local bison jerky. For a full meal, Boysen Bar offers burgers and Wyoming microbrews.

Dubois (pronounced DOO-boyss) is a gateway to the Wind River Range. Its main street is lined with log-constructed shops selling fly-fishing gear, photography prints, and turquoise jewelry. The Dubois Museum (free) covers the 1870s tie-hack logging era.

For deeper exploration, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations cluster in Sheridan, Shoshoni (mile 110), and Dubois. No services between Shoshoni and Dubois for 100 miles. Fuel up in Shoshoni at the Sinclair station (cheaper than national brands). Diesel is available at most stops.

Pricing fluctuates by $0.30-$0.50 per gallon between Sheridan and Shoshoni. For the entire trip, budget around $40-$55 for gasoline for a standard sedan.

• Sheridan: Multiple stations near I-90 exit.
• Shoshoni: Sinclair, Exxon (open 6am-10pm).
• Dubois: Two stations on Ramshorn Street.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

While no UNESCO sites lie directly on the route, the nearby Medicine Wheel/Medicine Mountain (off US-14A near Lovell, 120 miles north) is a National Historic Landmark with similar cultural significance. Within the route, the Wind River Canyon is recognized for its geological record spanning 2.9 billion years, often cited in global geology textbooks.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Best traveled June-September. Winters see snow closures on WY-789 between Shoshoni and Dubois. Spring offers wildflowers in Boysen State Park. Autumn delivers golden cottonwoods along the Big Wind River.

Temperature ranges: 70-85°F summer; 20-40°F winter. Wind gusts in the canyon can reach 40 mph, affecting fuel economy by 10-15%.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

US-26/WY-789 is a two-lane highway with occasional passing lanes. Shoulders are narrow in the canyon. Guardrails present on canyon curves. Speed limit 65 mph on straightaways, 45 mph in canyon. Cell service is spotty between mile 70 (west of Kaycee) and Shoshoni; download offline maps. No caution: livestock and wildlife (mule deer, elk) frequently cross near Boysen.

• Road surface: Mostly good asphalt; some frost heaves springtime.
• Services: No hospitals en route; nearest in Riverton (30 mins south of Shoshoni).
• Emergency call boxes: None. Carry a spare tire and water.

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is engaging for children due to the canyon and wildlife. Stop at the Wind River Canyon Visitor Center (mile 138, open May-Oct) for interactive geology exhibits. Kids can collect rocks (quartzite, granite) at pullouts. The Boysen State Park beach area is safe for swimming in summer .

For entertainment, the Shoshoni Public Library has a children's room with puzzles. Plan a picnic lunch at the Big Wind River Fishing Access (mile 160) with restrooms and tables.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most outdoor stops allow leashed dogs: Boysen State Park (pets on 6-ft leash), canyon pullouts, and the Dubois Museum's outdoor exhibits. Pets not allowed inside the Shoshoni Museum. Carry water and shade; temperature inside a parked car can reach 120°F even on 70°F days.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Three miles north of Shoshoni, follow gravel Rd 24 to Fremont County's Thunder Basin (unofficial name) to see dinosaur tracks preserved in sandstone (N43.407, W108.114). Access may require high-clearance vehicle after rain.

Alternatively, south of Dubois, take WY-287 for 6 miles to the Wind River Lake Trailhead – a 1-mile hike to an emerald lake surrounded by 12,000-foot peaks. This is less crowded than the main trailhead.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Longest stretch without services: Shoshoni to Dubois (100 miles, ~1 hr 40 min). Designated rest area at Wind River Canyon Overlook (mile 145) with shade and picnic tables. Smaller pullouts every 10-15 miles in the canyon. Park at Boysen State Park entry (mile 155) for a break with restrooms. No 24-hour gas stations after Shoshoni; fill up before 8pm.